Corsair has introduced its new custom-built kit of Dominator Platinum memory modules, which are specifically designed for ASUS ROG motherboards. The new DDR4 modules contain an exclusive SPD profile, which is only available on select ASUS ROG platforms featuring Intel’s Z170 PCH (platform controller hub).

The Corsair Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit (CMD16GX4M4B3200C16-ROG) consists of four 4 GB DDR4 memory modules rated to run at 3200 Mbps data-rate with CL16 18-18-36 timings at 1.35 Volts. The modules are primarily designed for Intel’s Skylake-S processors when used in Intel’s Z170-based motherboards that support XMP 2.0 technology (to automatically set their frequencies and latencies when they are installed into appropriate PCs and the BIOS option is selected). However, when the Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit is installed into one of ASUS ROG motherboards featuring the Z170 chipset, it allows setting 3333 Mbps data-rate and CL16 timings.

The Dominator Platinum ROG Edition modules are based on binned DRAM chips as well as Corsair’s proprietary 10-layer PCB with internal cooling planes as well as external thermal pads. For improved cooling and visual aesthetics, the modules come with aluminum heat-spreaders and customizable LED lighting. The memory sticks also feature famous Republic of Gamers red and black brushed aluminium finish, to compliment the current-generation ASUS ROG line of motherboards.

As for the price, the Corsair Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit represents a premium, much like other DDR4-3200+ kits. The set of four ROG-branded modules costs $224.99 excluding taxes in the U.S., which is considerably higher than the price of any other 16 GB DDR4-3333 kit. The Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit is also more expensive than Corsair’s own Dominator Platinum 16 GB DDR4-3200 CL15 (4 x 4 GB kit), which is priced at $189.99. Possibly, an exclusive SPD setting, custom-painted heatsinks as well as elite Republic of Gamers brand add a tangible amount of money to the price tag, but is aimed squarely at users with specific ROG motherboards.

29 Comments

Now we're getting mobo-specific binnings? This is getting out of hand. For half what that kit costs you can buy double (32GB!) the amount of DDR4 from Corsair itself! (won't be Dominator but it's still in the LPX Vengeance line and 2400+ w/decent timings)Reply

Ok maybe not half, but close, I paid like $240 for my 4x8GB LPX almost a year ago and I'm pretty sure I saw it under $140 recently. I like how AT runs their memory tests to find the optimal sweet spot, but at some point much more RAM >> any minute performance difference. DDR4 prices are definitely trending down fast tho...Reply

You might not understand it, but there are people out there who care enough about aesthetics that they're willing to buy a product just because it matches the color scheme of the rest of their build, and are willing to pay a premium for that color matching.

Don't misunderstand me... these people are still enthusiasts. They aren't going to buy some obsolete piece-of-junk computer component just because of its color. They still want high-end parts. But when it comes to selecting *WHICH* high-end part they want, these people will pay a bit extra if that high-end part color matches their build.Reply

Not sure how that reply has anything to do with my post... I was comparing this to better value RAM in Corsair's OWN lineup... AND they offer those other options in red, blue, and black most of the time! (which I do care about btw)

These being red doesn't make them special in the least bit, plenty of DIMMMs with red spreaders within and outside of Corsair's lineup.Reply

They're charging more money for memory that has a "bonus" non-XMP profile that lets it run at a higher clockspeed on very particular motherboards.

It still runs at 3200MHz CL16 speeds on non Asus ROG motherboards, due to the embedded XMP profile.

The question is, though, why not just make the XMP profile a 3333MHZ CL16 profile and enable the same compatibility across all motherboard vendors? Additionally, since the Asus ROG stickers aren't visible when installed on most systems, why not just sell Asus ROG branded red aluminum inserts for Corsair Dominator Platinum RAM for people to exchange into the RAM heatspreader?

You could even take it a bit further and just offer an entire host of anodized aluminum colors besides just ROG red. You could do Nvidia green, Zotac AMP! yellow/orange, Asus Signature series white, etc.Reply

You might not understand it, but there are people out there who care enough about aesthetics that they're willing to buy a product just because it matches the color scheme of the rest of their build, and are willing to pay a premium for that color matching.

Don't misunderstand me... these people are still enthusiasts. They aren't going to buy some obsolete piece-of-junk computer component just because of its color. They still want high-end parts. But when it comes to selecting *WHICH* high-end part they want, these people will pay a bit extra if that high-end part color matches their build.Reply

I'm tired of these huge heatspreaders and tall memory that simply don't fit under some air cooling systems. I know closed loop water is a popular thing but some people still run on air and can't use stuff like this. Reply